Long-term viability and infectivity of intraradical forms of Glomus intraradices vesicles encapsulated in alginate beads.

Intraradical vesicles of Glomus intraradices were isolated, entrapped in alginate beads, and stored at 4 degrees C for periods from 2-74 months. The beads were used to inoculate leeks grown under standard conditions for 6 wk, then development of root colonization by G. intraradices was recorded. Colonization of leeks was high (mean > 50% in length) and did not vary markedly until five years of storage. After six years of storage, the inoculum proved infective and viable.